Ram upgrade question

AMD Athlon X2 Dual-Core (1.9GHz/512KB x 2 L2 Cache)

For the life of me I can never get this right. I'm upgrading another computer. I'm going to max this computer out in ram. my question is for this processor do I have to have matching ram as far a gig size or can I put a 2g and a 1g in and have it work with no conflicts..confused:confused

 

The processor doesn't determine that, the motherboard does. In most high-end boards you want to try and match, to avoid confusing the poor thing, in mid-range boards it shouldn't really matter. For dual channel obviously you will need to match the two memory sticks exactly.

 

Exactly. The CPU could care less what kind of RAM it has, only that it has enough. It is up to the chipset on the motherboard to establish communications between the two along the bus.

These popular RAM makers have auto-scanning and/or manual entry RAM wizards to help you determine which RAM is compatible with your motherboard. For manual entry, enter/select the PC or motherboard make and model number and the wizard will list compatible RAM.

Crucial - Memory Advisor
Corsair - Memory Configurator (manual data entry only)
GeIL - Memory Configurator (manual data entry only)
Kingston - Memory Search (manual data entry only)
Mushkin - Advisor
OCZ - Memory Configurator (manual data entry only)
Patriot - Memory Search (manual data entry only)
PNY - Memory Configurator (manual data entry only)
SuperTalent - Memory Finder (manual data entry only)​

The following retailers have auto-scanners and manual wizards. They sell brand name and/or "house" brand (re-branded) RAM.

Newegg - Memory Configurator System Tool
MemoryStock - Upgrade Configurator
18004Memory - Configurator​

 

I know of the scanners and had no problem with them I was just wondering if I could mix the ram size since I can only max the computer out with 3g or 3.5 g since it is a 32 bit system. I guess I'll get 2x 2 gig sticks

 

I would suggest getting a 4GB kit so you can use dual channel. It will work smoother that way

 

Ah! I see. Well, again, that's up to the motherboard/chipset and not the CPU.

I agree with 4Gb if budget allows, but not smoother - faster!!! ...assuming the motherboard supports dual-channel, and most do (if not triple on the latest boards). Just understand there are several 32-bit limitations, and the way Windows uses RAM that will keep you from seeing all 4Gb - that's okay, a fact of life (or physics), just warning so there's no alarm. If the budget does not allow, most motherboards do allow you to mix sizes, so you could have 2 x 1Gb + 2 x 512Mb for example for 3Gb total. And those can be used in dual channel too, as long as like modules are paired.

 

I'll do the 4gb kit. The computer is a laptop with only 2 slots. I can live with it only reading 3 to 3.5.
Thanks Mimsy and Digerati

 

If you want to verify it's there, type in "msinfo32" in your Run... field. The system info windows will say 4096MB is the total amount of physically installed memory.

 

Good luck.

 

Good luck my friend.




- Don't forget to thank staff when they answer questions... Just one small click on the thanks button!